Holmdel

Jan 12, 2018

Successful Celebration for Hope for Children Foundation New Jersey, Inc.

Honorees Carmine and Phyllis Visone

On Saturday, December 2, the Hope for Children Foundation New Jersey, Inc. held its annual gala with this year’s theme, “Holiday Mix, Mingle, and Jingle.” This year’s event marked a record-breaking amount of money raised by the foundation in one night, with a total of nearly $185,000 going directly to help children and families in New Jersey. This brings the foundation closer to raising $2.8 million since the organization was founded more than a decade ago.

The event was held at Bell Works in Holmdel and attended by approximately 550 guests. Major sponsors included Advisors Mortgage, The Hesse Companies, and The Hinds/Pearly Group. This 100% volunteer organization is a 501(C3) comprised of professionals, entrepreneurs, and parents in Monmouth County. It originated in 2002 with a simple goal of “getting together with family, friends, and colleagues to make a positive difference in the community by helping children in need and their families,” as stated on their website at www.hfcf.org/about/.

During the event, Phyllis and Carmine Visone of Holmdel were honored with the Humanitarian Service Award. Foundation co-founder Karen Hinds said, “It is truly an honor for [Hope for Children Foundation New Jersey, Inc.] to have great supporters like Phyllis and Carmine Visone. They are pillars in our community whose philanthropic efforts are in line with the mission of [Hope for Children Foundation New Jersey, Inc.] Everyone who knows Phyllis and Carmine speak of their unyielding public service, especially to the children in our community. It is a privilege for us to honor the Visones.” Michael and Tiffanie Salerno were also honored and have been key supporters of the foundation since its inception. Michael is second vice president on the board of trustees for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County. Tiffany is a managing member of Eagan & Associates, founding board member of the foundation, and on the board of trustees for ARC of Monmouth County.

The whimsical mood was set for the evening as guests entered and were greeted by festively dressed stilt walkers and Santa Claus! Snowflakes magically fell from above as the crowd enjoyed exquisite hors d’oeuvres and food stations from the award-winning David Ellis Events. Guests could sample the 240+ varieties of premium liquor and beer donated by The Wine Academy Superstore as they leisurely browsed the spectacular gifts in the premium silent, gift, and live auctions. Hope for Children Foundation New Jersey, Inc. prides itself in donating every dollar made to the cause. All auction items and most services were donated for this year’s event. A few of the many in our community who donated their time, products, or services include The Wine Academy Superstore, Bell Works, This Is It Entertainment, Community Appliance, The Galleria Gold Co., Infinite AV Solutions, Ashley Mac Photography, Taliercio’s Gourmet Deli of Middletown, Mike Simons Productions LLC, and markconte.com.

A highlight of the night was the inaugural 12 Days of Giving Raffle, where 12 lucky winners took home cash prizes from $500 to $10,000. Hope for Children Foundation New Jersey, Inc. pledged to support a dozen families in need from the remaining proceeds of this raffle and this year’s event. They are also preparing to support over 100 families this holiday season and many more throughout the year. “Whether it’s a homeless teen, a special needs child, a struggling family, or an organization that truly makes a difference, we are careful in making the best selections possible and we are  excited, as we are about to make a huge impact on so many lives,” said Kristie Kane Tapalow, co-chair and executive board member of Hope for Children Foundation New Jersey, Inc.. “The proceeds of the night will help these beneficiaries, as well as many more throughout the year. We are blessed to make such a difference in our community.” It was a great way to kick off to the season of giving!

For more information, to get involved, or to donate online, please visit https://hfcf.org.

Hope for Children Foundation New Jersey, Inc. is not to be confused with the Hope for Children Foundation of Dallas, Texas which holds the Trademark to that name.